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Let's talk about compressors

#22
2112 said:
I don't use compression... I have learned to control my dynamics and frankly don't feel the want or need to give full control of my dynamics to FOH.
Click to expand...

I used to think I needed a compressor.

I bought amps with built-in compressors but soon found they squashed the sound. Turned 'em off and learned to control my dynamics.

I grew and realized I didn't needed a compressor.

I bought a good compressor a couple of years ago to help me learn slap (still not there). Found out that it smoothed out my non-slap playing ever so gently and musically. I could sit in the mix cleaner. I still had lots of dynamics but now the bass was more predictable, more solid.

I matured and realized I benefitted from a compressor.

Best of luck in YOUR journey!
 
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#23
#25
I recently picked up a Whirlwind OC Bass. Before that I used the Demeter Compulator and before that I used an EHX Black Finger. All cool pedals...I like the optical compressors if you couldn't tell. The Diamond, Empress, MXR, and Keeley were on my short list of compressors I was interested in. Sounds like the Seymour Duncan would be sweet too.
 
#26
I have learned to love compressors as they simply give your bass a pro sound, especially in regards to sustain and presence in mix, and they are the secret sauce of 100% of great bass tones you like in a records, along with the magic of the guy plucking the bass. I have used the Empress which is super high end, and have a FEA on the way. BUT, these high end units may be more than you need when you are first getting into it. Best $40 I have ever spent was on a BBE Optostomp that I got used. Two knobs, very simple, but a very usable tone, and low noise. Just make sure to get a yellow one with NO mustache. I would suggest something like this to get your feet wet with compression, and see if you really enjoy it before dropping $250 on the empress or similar.
 
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#27
I know it's not a pedal, but I love my DBX160a. It has a soft knee effect, where the compression slowly eases in, and it's very musical. It evens and fattens up the d and g string just a touch, puts a touch on that b string, and keeps the slapping transients tamed down. I often forget it on due to its subtlety until I turn it off. I have as much dynamic range as I need, and can't tell much difference with it off in that respect.

If there was a pedal version close to this great product, I'd get it as well for my pedal rig.
 
#29
DaveAceofBass said:
I recently picked up a Whirlwind OC Bass. Before that I used the Demeter Compulator and before that I used an EHX Black Finger. All cool pedals...I like the optical compressors if you couldn't tell. The Diamond, Empress, MXR, and Keeley were on my short list of compressors I was interested in. Sounds like the Seymour Duncan would be sweet too.
Click to expand...
Compulator is another great 2 knob compressor. I never should have sold mine. I too love the optical comps, which is why I traded my Empress for a FEA opti-fet
 
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#31
JGbassman said:
I know it's not a pedal, but I love my DBX160a. It has a soft knee effect, where the compression slowly eases in, and it's very musical. It evens and fattens up the d and g string just a touch, puts a touch on that b string, and keeps the slapping transients tamed down. I often forget it on due to its subtlety until I turn it off. I have as much dynamic range as I need, and can't tell much difference with it off in that respect.

If there was a pedal version close to this great product, I'd get it as well for my pedal rig.
Click to expand...

I asked about the 160 in a thread and got this response:
#51
Keeley Bassist or Maxon CP9Pro+ would be closest to the 160, however:
A) I am positive that technique plays the largest part in his sound, and he'd sound the same with the pedals you currently own.
2) The 160 model he uses doesn't act or sound identical to a modern 160A just due to component differences, so if you get down to splitting hairs, no pedal will sound exactly like an old 160.
(3-x) See part A where it wouldn't matter much. :)

It was also noted:
Doesn't JohnK make a 160-like in a 1590B sized pedal?

Also there's the Schalltechnik_04 "Pumpernickle", which is said to be inspired by the 160A... review coming soon from Bongomania. ;)




 
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#32
Keeley Compressor Pro... got a good deal on b stock direct but unit was flawless.

I use it cause I play in a band where I use three different basses, active fretless, p with flats and rotosound strung Ric played with a pick. It smooth things out and clips some of the peaks
 
#33
I settled on the Duncan Studio Bass. I only turn it off to take it to the gigs. I adjust the blend and attack a lot depending on what i'm playing. The blend is really cool. Tried the MXR and the Spectra Comp too. I loved the Spectra and i like tone prints on other pedals but I have decided that i would rather turn a knob or two on the Studio Bass as opposed to hooking up a computer or playing sounds from my phone to change settings on compressor (which is really awesome and amazing just not what I want to do between songs).

2112 said:
I don't use compression... I have learned to control my dynamics and frankly don't feel the want or need to give full control of my dynamics to FOH.
Click to expand...
If front of house is getting your signal in any way, you do not have control over it. Nor should you, since you are not listening from the front of house. Unless you play all your gigs by wireless from the audience. Froom the way your post reads I'm going to guess your ego wont take you off stage to do that.

I used to think that all compression was a bad idea until final mix in the studio. I have very good touch and dynamic control and I avoided compressor pedals for bass for the last 20 years thinking I could do all the dynamic work myself with my fingers. I stopped being a stubborn know it all when I started reading the numerous compressor threads here on TB. (lots of insights if you take time to read what others are sharing) When I actually tried some decent compressors in my own rig I found them to be extremely useful. Using a quality compressor in combination with good touch and dynamic control allows me to do things I never felt comfortable doing before. Probably because I was putting so much effort into manually doing work my fingers that the comp does for me now. Now I am free to explore other ways of using my fingers for musical expression including dynamics. Subtle compression is now my favorite part of my tone. Thank you TBers for all the insight and helping me overcome my self assured ignorance about compressors.
 
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#34
HelpImaRock said:
I use a compressor because I'm not a very good bassist and my dynamics are all over the place. A comp helps to even things out live and in rehearsals. I don't use it at home while I practice. My compressor of choice is the BOSS BC-1x.
Click to expand...

I use a Boss BC-1x myself and I think it's terrific, especially for playing live. But as a multi band compressor what it seems to do is even out all frequencies from top to bottom. This "widens" your tone, but it's not "fat", very clean and clear. It's also a brighter effect adding a kind of "sheen" or "sparkle" to your sound. I'd say it works better for those going after a more hi-fi sound.

This form of compression makes my sound bigger, cleaner, clearer, more complex. But I like a lot of clang and SS strings and this pedal really works for keeping all that under control.

All the settings at noon is pretty close.
 
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#37
i had to add a comp to my little bass board when i went to IEMs; even with the ability to tweak my own mix via tablet, i was finding myself constantly either plucking too hard and fatiguing my hand or having my bass be too loud in my ears mix.

i grabbed a carl martin comp i had languishing in my closet and threw it in front, set for the fastest attack and a little compression that just kicked in with regular playing. the "busy" light is super helpful for adjusting threshold and ratio, you can see when it kicks in and how hard.

it does the trick and doesn't seem to change the actual tone in an obviously noticeable way. the bass sits right in the mix, and i can still get louder or quieter but everything is more even, especially when switching from fingers to pick.
 
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#38
Empress, though I haven't tried the others recommended here. Clear, your own tone but fattened up. No discernible loss of top or bottom. Capable of light to very heavy squash. Blend/mix for how much 'naked you' you want. Cool lights too, though I ignore them as I do fairly heavily compress. And I still have dynamics, clearly not as wide due to the amount of effect I use, but still plennnnty- digging in is still louder and wider, caressing still quieter (I mix right on 50%).

Expensive, and not what everyone wants in a comp, but I love mine.
 

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